Minister to join youth vigil for Anzac Day

SOUTH Australia's Veterans Affairs Minister Zoe Bettison will join Thursday night's youth vigil at the War Memorial in Adelaide ahead of the Anzac Day dawn service.

Ms Bettison will join about 300 young people who will stand guard at the inner-city memorial overnight as well as other memorials in regional centres as part of a growing local tradition.

Among those taking part are cadet volunteers with the Country Fire Service (CFS) and the State Emergency Service.

"These popular youth vigils allow young people in our community from a range of backgrounds to experience how the Anzac tradition belongs to us all, no matter our age or cultural heritage," Ms Bettison said on Thursday.

"Young people from across the state turn out to commemorate our service personnel and learn about the sacrifices they made for our country."

CFS chief officer Greg Nettleton said the youth vigils demonstrated the high regard held for the extraordinary sacrifice made by service men and women in previous conflicts.

"The Anzac legacy represents a critical part of Australia's identity and so it is important that our cadets are involved and reflect on this day of remembrance," he said.

Acting Premier John Rau said Anzac day was the key opportunity to pay respect to those currently serving in the military as well as those who served previously.

"South Australians are proud of the brave men and women who have served in every conflict from the Boer War to Afghanistan," he said.